Public Health chiefs are encouraging Trafford residents to check they are up to date with their vaccinations as part of World Immunisation Week, which runs until Thursday 30 April.
World Immunisation Week is a global campaign led by the World Health Organisation, highlighting the vital role vaccines play in protecting people of all ages from serious and preventable diseases. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps prevent outbreaks and protects those who are most vulnerable in the community.
This year, Trafford’s public health team is placing a particular focus on measles, following a rise in cases across the UK. The increase has been linked to lower uptake of the vaccine.
The MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox and is given to children born on or after 1January 2025 at 12 months and 18 months old. Older children will be advised by their GP when they are scheduled to have this vaccine, but everyone should have had two doses of MMR or MMRV by the time they start school.
In Trafford, the percentage take up of these vaccines is higher than the Greater Manchester average but still short of the target figure of 95% needed to achieve herd immunity.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications, particularly for young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. It is important for everyone to have their MMRV vaccinations, in order to protect babies who are too young to be vaccinated, and people who are unable to have the MMRV vaccine because they have a severely weakened immune system.
The MMR and MMRV vaccines are safe and well‑tested, with millions of doses given in the UK and worldwide over many years, and the risk from measles and other childhood infections is far greater than the risk from vaccination. Most routine immunisations for children and adults (including MMRV, childhood immunisations and boosters) are available through registered GP practices. If you’re unsure whether you or your children are up to date, your GP can check records and arrange any missed doses. While the usual MMRV contains gelatine from pigs, there is an MMRV vaccine which does not, so speak to the person vaccinating your child if you want to have this vaccine.
Helen Gollins, Director of Public Health, Trafford Council, said:
“Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways we have to protect ourselves and our communities. The recent rise in measles cases across the country is a reminder of how important it is that children and adults are fully vaccinated. I would urge anyone who is unsure about their vaccination status, or who may have missed doses in the past, to come forward and get advice. It’s never too late to get protected.”
More information about vaccines and immunisation schedules is available on the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/vaccinations.